Ronda Rousey breaks silence after devastating loss at UFC 207

UFC star Ronda Rousey has broken her silence after the devastating loss she suffered at the hands of Amanda Nunes at UFC 207.

Rousey hadn't fought since losing to Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November 2015 and the sport was crying out for the return of one of its two biggest stars who had sat out all of 2016.

The former women's bantamweight champion was hammered by Nunes from the start and was stopped after 48 seconds.

Rousey released the following statement: “I want to say thank you to all of my fans who have been there for me in not only the greatest moments but in the most difficult ones. Words cannot convey how much your love and support means to me.

“Returning to not just fighting, but winning, was my entire focus this past year. However, sometimes, even when you prepare and give everything you have and want something so badly, it doesn't work how you planned. I take pride in seeing how far the women's division has come in the UFC and commend all the other women who have been part of making this possible, including Amanda.

“I need to take some time to reflect and think about the future. Thank you for believing in me and understanding," she added.